cliff. that's point one. in some ways, don, what's at stake here is whether they can craft a deal that's win/win. that each side can walk away from something in the short term saying we're encouraged, this gives us greater reason to go on and engage in the grand bargain next year. this is a moment, don, when a lot of things are hanging in the balance. the talks, having to actually sit down today is encouraging. they don't want to take this all the way to the 11th hour in the 59th minute. they want to see if they can get a breakthrough now. that's encouraging. >> cnn's david gergen. are there hints that the republicans and democrats are moving closer together on a budget deal? we'll talk about that, next. >> announcer: you never know when, but thieves can steal your identity and turn your life upside down. >> hi. >> hi. you know, i can save you 15% today if you open up a charge card account with us. >> you just read my mind. >> announcer: just one little piece of information and they can open